Tax Reform Update

Good News for Giving

For over 100 years, charitable gifts have enjoyed special treatment in our nation’s tax system by way of a charitable deduction for income, gift and estate tax purposes.

The recent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 repealed or limited many deductions, but the charitable deduction escaped virtually unscathed. In fact, it was enhanced through an increased allowance for gifts that can be claimed each year (up to 60% of adjusted gross income). Gifts above that amount may be carried forward up to five years. Additionally, a provision that would have reduced the benefit of itemized deductions for high income taxpayers has been eliminated by repealing the Pease Amendment.

While every person’s tax situation is different, most tax payers will benefit from the newly expanded standard deduction or may continue to claim itemized deductions for their charitable gifts. Explore the additional pages here to learn more about the different gift options available. These ideas may be helpful to discuss with your advisors to complete gifts now or in the future.